OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - May 2, 2008) - The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, will lead an official Government of Canada delegation in Halifax to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic. Remembrance ceremonies and commemorative events will be held in the Atlantic port city on May 2, 3 and 4. The Canadian delegation will include Veterans, dignitaries, representatives from Veterans' organizations, and youth.

"The Battle of the Atlantic was fought from here on our own shores and on the high seas, when Canadian men and women answered their nation's call for help. They were determined to keep the supplies moving-and they succeeded," said Minister Thompson. "In honour of this significant anniversary, we will return to the very port from which these men and women departed for battle."

The Battle of the Atlantic was Canada's longest military engagement of the Second World War, lasting from September 1939 to May 1945. The Atlantic Ocean, a crucial supply line between North America and Great Britain, was threatened by enemy forces from the very beginning of the war. For almost six long years, the men and women of the Canadian Merchant Navy, the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force courageously fought through enemy attacks and severe ocean storms. Sixty-five years ago, in May 1943, after receiving more training, air cover, special intelligence and better equipment, the Battle of the Atlantic turned significantly in favour of the Allies.

The delegation will participate in ceremonies of remembrance at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Camp Hill Veterans' Memorial Building, and the Halifax Memorial at Point Pleasant Park. The anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic will also be recognized at special events throughout Canada.

More information on the Battle of the Atlantic delegation and commemorative events can be found on the Veterans Affairs Canada Web site at www.vac-acc.gc.ca.